Interview with Debora Hamilton

Author of RED FLAG UP 7 Signs of Domestic Violence

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I’m originally from Pittsburgh Pa. After college I now reside in Charlotte NC

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

It started after college when I met my spouse who just joined the military. That’s where I began to start my career as Counselor and a writer in Jacksonville NC.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I was counseling domestic violence victims and listening to their stories and realized that they need resources and strategies for recovery.
After the initial assessment they did not have handouts of where the local shelters were. This is what gave me the idea to write my book.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

It was written to bring awareness on the topic of domestic violence and educate victims so they have a better understanding of what abuse is.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Victims of abuse. Mental health agencies, social services and women shelters.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

That 1 in 5 women are assaulted every day. Also 36% do not report the abuse. Its astounding the numbers are rising daily.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

First of all, you need to make sure that you have a support team that you can lean on. Wanting and doing are two different things.You must ask others about their experiences. It’s a journey of many challenges.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

The people who have the least resources and the most who need support.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

I would have to say reaching the right audience and having the right publishing company to promote your book.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My experience and knowledge of my topic and reaching out to local authors for feedback on my writing.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Not knowing how to market my book or reaching the right audience to promote it.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I hope to begin writing my next book in the fall.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I used Author House publishing company.